infighting

Noun

infighting (countable and uncountable, plural infightings)

1. Fighting or quarreling among the members of a single group or side.
   • […] the economic and financial mismanagement of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s government and chronic infighting within the regime have contributed to the economic chaos […]2012 October 6, “Iran’s nuclear programme: A red line and a reeling rial”, in The Economist
   • “The energy was so different,” Ms. Steuben said of the 2024 event. “Everyone was so excited because we’d just won the election. This year, it’s just a lot of infighting. It’s terrible. I think a lot of people are upset, and they’re acting childish.”2025 December 20, Richard Fausset, Ken Bensinger, quoting Dana Steuben, “Turning Point’s Annual Gathering Turns Into a Gripefest”, in The New York Times, New York, N.Y.: The New York Times Company...
2. Fighting with one's opponent closer than arm's length.
   • Tate predicted that Wills, famed for infighting, would have to change his tactics against Firpo to avoid being knocked "very loose."1924 September 1, “Abdication”, in Time
   • His left jab pecked at McTigue's face, and at infighting he matched the champion on even terms.1955 March 28, Charles Lesemann, “Ruckus in Georgia”, in Sports Illustrated